A Freshman student at Forest Lake Christian School has died in a tragic accident that occurred in Yuba County last night as the family was coming back from a soccer tournament. Fourteen year old Anna O’Neill, whose team won the game against Lincoln, was in the car with her father and sister Emily. It was about 9:30 pm near the 40 Mile Road over-crossing, of Hwy 65 when Emily ONeill , who was driving a 2005 Chevy Tahoe
drifted onto the shoulder. The CHP report says she over-corrected, causing the SUV to roll over on the east side of the highway. Emily received minor injuries. Her father, 49-year-old Sean O’Neill had major injuries and was taken to Sutter Roseville ICU and Anna succumbed to her injuries.
Anna O’Neill was a Freshman at Forest Lake Christian School and Emily is a Sophmore there. Both girls were alumni of Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in Grass Valley and two of their siblings still attend school there. Principal Edee Wood says this tragedy has hit the children hard and a grief counselor was available at the campus today.
Wood says Anna was valedictorian of her class, played all the sports, was student body president and had great determination and energy.
click to listen to Edee Wood
Wood says anyone who knew Anna will understand what a dramatic impact her death will have on not only her family but her entire school, social, and parish community.
Bella lake
Sweet, smart, beautiful Anna. Words simply cannot describe your loving spirit and beautiful smile that you had on every single day of your precious life. Through the 10 years that we knew each other, I always looked up to and admired you in so many ways. Your generous heart went out to others and your talents uplifted and never ceased to amaze me. Why God had to take such a blessing as you away from us? I don't know. But I do know that there will never be a person as caring, smart, and beautiful in every way as you. Rest in peace beautiful child. You will forever be in our hearts.
Stan and Vicki Billingsley
No words can express enough sympathy for the loss in this family. We feel pain for their loss and pray God will give them strength and emotional support to help each other and maybe someday God will give them peace as only our Lord can provide. Our grandson "Samuel Billingsley" has been with his Father in heaven for 11 years now. We still miss him dearly and treasure our memories of him. We pray God will be with the O'Neill family during this time of extreme sadness. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with all of you. With love in "Jesus" name.
Katie
I didn't know her personally, but as a student and basketball player of Victory Christian School, the Forest Lake students are very dear to us. My school's soccer team played against her, and I was devastated to find this out. There was a prayer meeting for her after finals today at our school, and I am praying every day for Anna and her family. May God's hand and strength be with everyone through this time. <3
Chloe Rowlett
The game was actually played against Western Sierra Collegiate Acadmey and it was the semi-final playoff game. Anna was a sweetheart who unfortunately did not play in the game that night but was a strong player nonetheless.